Chicago Cubs

Cubs Face Decision as Addison Russell Nears End of Suspension

Russell's suspension for domestic violence allegations is set to end next Friday

Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell has begun his conditioning assignment with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs this week, and on Thursday will address reporters for the first time since spring training.

Russell, who is finishing his suspension following an investigation into domestic violence allegations against the infielder, will be eligible to return to the Cubs’ roster next week, but the team has not committed to adding him back into the fold right away.

“We’re taking this day-by-day, which is appropriate,” Cubs President Theo Epstein said. “This is one situation where it is not appropriate to get ahead of the story. Addison has a lot of work to do going forward. There’s no finish line here.”

The Cubs will be faced with a roster decision when they decide to bring Russell back onto the major league roster. Javier Báez has been playing some of the best baseball of his career, and it isn’t clear that manager Joe Maddon will be willing to move him from shortstop in order to bring Russell back into the fold.

The success of Daniel Descalso this season at second base, along with playing time concerns for David Bote and Ben Zobrist, could also limit the options for Russell if and when he comes back.

The Cubs could simply option Russell to Triple-A Iowa and postpone the decision, but it still remains unclear whether they will take that option as Russell’s suspension draws to a close.

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